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Wyoming Business Tips for Nov. 10-Nov. 16

November 1, 2013 — A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming
Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a
collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

Word-of-mouth marketing is free and might have more impact
on a business than any other form of marketing. Friends, family and trusted
associates are often asked for opinions about the best local businesses.
Recommendations are relied upon to evaluate where consumers should spend their
hard earned cash.

What can businesses do to assure that they
generate positive word-of-mouth throughout its community? The three keys that
can help to convince customers that a business offers a great service or
product are listed below.

Expertise: Consumers are willing to pay for quality services
or products. It is essential that a consumer’s questions get answered. Businesses
that provide customers with top-notch knowledge will be relied on to help find
answers for buying needs. Customers
who have had good experiences with a company most likely will refer it to their
friends as the local expert.

Approachable: Customers expect to be approached by store
owners as soon as they walk in the door. It is important to ask customers what is
needed, but also to build positive relationships through the use of compliments;
giving thanks for visiting the store; or asking about the customer’s day.
Giving attention to customers assures that they are important, and it helps them
feel more comfortable asking questions. They will remember a
good business and be more likely to spread the word about it.

Exceed Expectations: Good businesses separate from the
competition by offering something unique to the customer that the competition
does not. This can be done numerous ways, but it should be original. Some
examples of exceeding expectations may include a free item with a purchase,
distinct packaging, quick turnaround, quality products or exceptional customer
service. Customers will direct people to a business that they feel is the best
in the industry.

The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business
Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To
ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu or write 1000 E.
University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.